Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou met today with His Beatitude Ieronymos II, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. The meeting took place at the Holy Archdiocese of Athens in a particularly warm atmosphere, once again confirming the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between the state and the Church of Greece.
According to a statement, topics discussed included the Church’s elderly care facility being established in Tanagra, a project expected to bring relief to dozens of fellow citizens. It is now moving forward after issues with the site were resolved and a relevant provision was included in the Environment and Energy Ministry’s draft bill, which is currently under public consultation.
After the meeting, Mr Papastavrou said: “The Ministry of Environment and Energy, and I personally, stand firmly and unwaveringly by the Church and the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece. We are also providing practical support for the social welfare and charitable services developed by the Church.
“Because the Church always gives as much as it can to our country and stands by the vulnerable groups in our society. And because the state has a duty to support the Church’s work, as it is doing, for example, with the elderly care facility in Tanagra. It will offer dignity, care and love to our elderly fellow citizens. I would like to thank His Beatitude once again for his hospitality today and for our discussion.”
For his part, His Beatitude Ieronymos, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, said: “It was a great pleasure to meet and discuss substantive matters with our minister, Mr Papastavrou. The Archdiocese has gradually taken on the delivery of projects that bring relief to people, our brothers and sisters in need.
“We have a plot of land on which we will build a centre for rest and care for people who are unable to look after themselves. But the plot has some problems and difficulties.
“That is why we were slow to move forward. Now, however, with the help of the state, the government and particularly Mr Papastavrou, these difficulties have been overcome, and we are preparing to lay the foundation stone in a few days. I am immensely grateful. Alongside this project, we also discussed with the Prime Minister and the Minister how the Church and the state can work together on projects that benefit everyone.
“Discussions have now begun on the development of Church property, in a way that will help the Church and the state work together in an innovative partnership and take forward a good and successful project in this area. Mr Papastavrou, through both his position and his expertise, but above all his willingness and character, is one of our close partners. We will all be pleased with any project that emerges from this effort.”